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Friends say Daylon Ore was a rising star on the basketball court and inspiration to the youth of the city. At the corner of Main and Earle Streets, loved ones were grieving the loss of Ore. Police say it was at this intersection the 22-year-old was shot and killed on Thursday.

“It’s like I lost a son,” says Shawn Bell.

Bell says Ore was a role model to kids in his youth basketball league.

They were inspired by Ore’s scoring streak at Hartford High School and his accomplishments at college, at Pine Manor in Massachusetts. Ore was planning to help coach the league this summer.

“He had a bright future, yes he did. He was a humble kid,” says Bell.

Friends say Ore had new outlook on life after a previous run-in with violence. A few years ago they say he had been hurt in a drive-by shooting.

“Daylon was loved by so many people in this city. Someone who had gotten a second chance, who had made the most of it, was full of hope and promise for his own life,” says Mayor Luke Bronin, D-Hartford.

Ore’s mother, Janet Martin, says her son was never looking for trouble. Despite that she forgives whoever took him away.

The family will remember Ore’s smile, big heart, and that he touched so many lives.

“It hurts so bad. It hurts. Trying to hold it together for him. Because if he was here right now, he’d be like 'Mom don’t cry. It’s alright. I still love you.' I love my son,” says Martin.

Ore’s former college also plans to remember him with a memorial service on campus this week.